Georgia Beef

From Pasture to Plate

                  -Angus cattle at Honeywood Farms in Barnesville, Ga., Jan. 12, 2012

Even if you live in a skyscraper in Buckhead or Midtown Atlanta, you don’t have to go very far to find a rural vibe since nothing says “country” like standing face-to-face with a cow. And cattle can be found in all 159 counties in Georgia. According to the USDA, Georgia is the nation’s 28th largest producer of cattle and calves with 1.02 million head. The beef industry contributes $3 billion to Georgia’s economy each year.

Of course every hamburger- and steak-loving American understands the need to raise cattle. But if you live in Atlanta, purchasing beef that was raised in Georgia requires reading labels. It is available, but not necessarily every plastic-wrapped package at your grocer has been sourced locally.

Among the options available to anyone who is interested in purchasing Georgia-grown beef--nearly all of which is grass-fed:

Grass-fed beef steaks, roasts, offal and ground beef from White Oak Pastures of Bluffton, Ga., are sold at Whole Foods under the “Harris Family Farms” label. Grass-fed ground beef is also sold at Publix. Product can also be ordered online.

Carlton Farms of Rockport, Ga., sells farm-direct grass-fed beef and other products. Order online for pick-up at one of the Atlanta-area weekly delivery locations.

Buckhead Beef processes products sourced from producers around the country, including Georgia. The company most often sells direct to restaurants, but can also ship orders to customers who place phone orders (call 1-800-888-5578; if you’re looking specifically for Georgia-grown beef, ask about what is currently available). Prices include shipping overnight via Federal Express. Details are online.

                    -A worker breaks down beef at Buckhead Beef in Buckhead, Ga., Jan. 12, 2012

Learn more about Georgia Beef.